Research showcase to highlight role of engineers in developing innovative solutions to help prevent, mitigate, and respond to disasters.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The University of Maryland's A. James Clark School of Engineering will host its second annual Mpact Week, a five-day event showcasing research, education, and innovations, October 16-22, 2014, on its College Park campus. This year’s theme is Disaster Resilience and the role engineers play in developing innovative solutions to help prevent, mitigate, and respond to disasters.

In the last decade, an increasing number of natural and human-caused disasters have led to major financial losses and human casualties across the globe. In 1953, there were 13 federal disaster declarations issued. A half century later, that annual number has quadrupled. Last year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued more than one major disaster declaration per week. Disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, the Deepwater Horizon oilrig explosion, Superstorm Sandy, and Typhoon Haiyan have cost billions in damage and killed thousands, and a lack of preparedness for these disasters has made the losses worse.

Clark School of Engineering researchers are actively engaged in initiatives to help our national and international communities prepare for disaster scenarios, addressing areas as far-reaching as coastal infrastructure, fire resilience, energy, pandemic outbreaks, cybersecurity, unmanned aircraft systems, and other technologies aimed at providing solutions to disaster resilience applications.

Mpact Week will feature insightful presentations and remarks from distinguished scholars, experts, and thought leaders from the White House, FEMA, the National Institute for Standards and Technology, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the University of Illinois, the Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, as well as the University of Maryland, regarding the power of research and innovation to help address these international challenges. Mpact Week events are co-sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Big Ten Committee on Institutional Cooperation, and the University of Maryland Division of Research.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014“Research on the Hill” Event on Disaster Resilience: Disaster Resilience: The Intersection of Research and Policy Room HVC-201, US Capitol Visitor Center, Washington, DCCo-Sponsored by the University of Maryland Division of Research and The Big Ten Committee on Institutional Cooperation

The University of Maryland?s A. James Clark School of Engineering is a premier program, ranked among the top 20 in the world. Located just a few miles from Washington, D.C., the Clark School is at the center of a constellation of high-tech companies and federal laboratories, offering students and faculty access to unique professional opportunities.

Our broad spectrum of academic programs, including the world?s only accredited undergraduate fire protection engineering program, is complemented by a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, early hands-on educational experiences, and participation in national and international competitions.

The Clark School is leading research advancements in aerospace, bioengineering, robotics, nanotechnology, disaster resilience, energy and sustainability, and cybersecurity. From the universal product code to satellite radio, SMS text messaging to the implantable insulin pump, our students, faculty, and alumni are engineering life-changing innovations for millions. Learn more at www.eng.umd.edu.